In honor of March being Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, the Employee Health & Wellness Division will be hosting a Lunch & Learn to discuss this important topic.
When: March 7, 2018
Lunch and Learn at Public Works from 12 to 1 pm.
Topic will be presented by Dr. David Cruz and free lunch will be provided to attendees.
Please call 727-6470 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register for luncheon.


                                                                                           


Payroll assistants: Please print attached flyer with event information and post for employees to see.


Below is some is some information on this topic: 


What is Colorectal Cancer?


Cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer, and cancer that begins in the rectum is called rectal cancer. Cancers affecting either of these organs also may be called colorectal cancer.


Colorectal cancer occurs when some of the cells that line the colon or the rectum become abnormal and grow out of control. The abnormal growing cells create a tumor, which is the cancer.


Symptoms of colon cancer include:

- Changes in bowel movements, including constipation or diarrhea that don’t seem to go away
- Feeling like you can’t empty your bowels completely or urgently need to have a bowel movement
- Bleeding or cramping in your rectum
- Dark patches of blood in or on your stool; or long, thin, "pencil stools"
- Discomfort or bloating in your belly
- Unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss
- Pelvic pain, which can happen in the later stages of the disease

Risk factors


Factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include:

- Older age. The great majority of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50. Colon cancer can occur in younger people, but it occurs much less frequently.
- African-American race.
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps. If you've already had colon cancer or adenomatous polyps, you have a greater risk of colon cancer in the future.
- Inflammatory intestinal conditions. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, can increase your risk of colon cancer.
- Family history of colon cancer.
- Low-fiber, high-fat diet. Colon cancer and rectal cancer may be associated with a diet low in fiber and high in fat and calories..
- A sedentary lifestyle. If you're inactive, you're more likely to develop colon cancer. Getting regular physical activity may reduce your risk of colon cancer.
- Diabetes. People with diabetes and insulin resistance have an increased risk of colon cancer.
- Obesity. People who are obese have an increased risk of colon.
- Smoking. People who smoke may have an increased risk of colon cancer.
- Alcohol. Heavy use of alcohol increases your risk of colon cancer.

Prevention


Get screened for colon cancer


People with an average risk of colon cancer can consider screening beginning at age 50. But people with an increased risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer, should consider screening sooner.


Your doctor will most likely do a rectal exam or an iFOBT test (provided at Employee Health). You may also get a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy -- exams that involve a long flexible tube put into your rectum so that your doctor can look for any cancers or growths.


Make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk


You can take steps to reduce your risk of colon cancer by making changes in your everyday life. Take steps to:

- Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
- Stop smoking.
- Exercise most days of the week.
- Maintain a healthy weight.

Screening is the key for prevention!